PowerToys is set to launch a new tool that auto-arranges multiple apps into custom layouts
The upcoming Microsoft PowerToys update, version 0.84, will introduce a new utility called PowerToys Workspaces. This feature enables users to create groups of applications, arrange them in specific layouts, and launch them with a single click. Customizable layouts allow for precise screen positioning, such as placing Visual Studio Code on the left, Terminal in the upper-right corner, and Microsoft Edge in the bottom-right.
Users can create multiple workspaces tailored to different tasks or workflows, capturing existing layouts that include running apps, apps on different monitors, and minimized applications. Advanced configuration options allow for adding CLI arguments, launching applications as Admin, and specifying window sizes and states.
The feature was demoed during a Microsoft community call on YouTube, and while no specific release date has been mentioned, frequent updates to PowerToys suggest the wait will not be long. The PowerToys 0.84 update is also expected to include other enhancements and fixes to existing modules and utilities.
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External links
- Clint Rutkas' Thread on X@ClintRutkas on X • Official source
- Windows Dev Chat - August 15, 2024Windows Developer on YouTube • Official source
- Microsoft's PowerToys Workspaces will organize your apps, just soPCWorld
- PowerToys will soon let you create app workspaces and launch them with a single clickNeowin
- Microsoft PowerToys will launch and automatically arrange your favorite appsThe Verge
Comments
Why are some posts here shadowbanned? I just checked with another browser. ;)
Oh, sorry - they don't show up unless I sort by "Rank". Why is that?
Hey! sorry, not sure if I follow. Are there comments you can't see if you have the sorting filter set to "by date" instead of "by rank"? I can see all of them regardless of which filter is selected.
It's working now for me as well. Maybe was just a temp glitch.
AlomWare Toolbox (the successor to AlomWare Actions previously mentioned) has done save/restore of PC states for years - they're the pioneers of it and came up with the concept first. It also captures MORE than what PowerToys does (like the desktop size, icons, clipboard, sound volume) per their website. And it can capture from a hotkey at any time you're ready - no need to open a window to make a capture. They have a YouTube video showing capture and restore of two different states, which is far easier, cleaner and faster to do than how PowerToys does it. I use this app and can highly recommend it!
Looking forward to it. In the meantime, what are some alternatives to this feature?
I haven't personally used it, but I believe
AlomWare Toolbox could be a similar alternative that allows you to save and restore multiple "States." 
AutoHotkey can also be set up with a script to start and close programs, as well as reposition windows. 
DisplayFusion has a feature called "Window Position Profiles," which I think does exactly this as well. And of course, while it's not the same, 
Microsoft PowerToys with FancyZones has a feature to remember and reopen an app where it was previously located
That said, I have to say that I'm personally also REALLY looking forward to this feature from the PowerToys team. I think the quality of their tools is quite good, with excellent attention to design 🙂